A group of Lubbock nature enthusiasts hopes to attract new members to its ranks with the enticement of archeology, wildlife, playa lakes, prairies or even dirt.

President Jackie Driskill holds up a horned frog pin during a Texas Master Naturalist meeting at Lubbock Lake Landmark on Thursday. Members wear the pins, which represent each year they are certified as a master naturalist, and each year the pin is different. This meeting was the first of the year and welcomed anyone wishing to begin the process of becoming a Texas Master Naturalist and joining the South Plains Chapter.

Jackie Driskill, president, welcomes a group of current and possible Texas Master Naturalist gather at Lubbock Lake Landmark Thursday, January 12, 2012. The meeting was the first of the year and welcomed anyone wishing to begin the process of becoming a Texas Master Naturalist and joining the South Plains Chapter. Stephen Spillman / Avalanche-Journal

A group of Lubbock nature enthusiasts hopes to attract new members to its ranks with the enticement of archeology, wildlife, playa lakes, prairies or even dirt.

Organizers with the South Plains Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists said there are few limits to what a new member of their organization can specialize in learning, as long as it’s natural.

“There is a little bit of something to interest just about anyone,” said Vicki Sybert, a charter member of Lubbock’s chapter of the organization. “It’s a wonderful group of people and they are a lot of fun.”

Members, prospective members and even a handful of residents only curious about joining the organization sponsored by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife met late Thursday as part of the organization’s first meeting of 2012.

The mission of the Master Naturalists is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities, according to information provided by the organization, said Jackie Driskill, president of the organization.

And just like the limitless number of areas of specialty in nature certified Master Naturalists can have, Driskill said her organization seeks anyone interested in committing several dozen hours of training and volunteer time year to become a certified member of the statewide program.

The offer to become a certified advocate for nature seemed to entice prospective members like Leann Lamb-Vines.

She told the group of nearly two dozen people in the Lubbock Lake Landmark auditorium she hoped to make the cut, adding she had a New Year’s resolution to become better-acquainted with nature.

Prospective Master Naturalists must complete 40 hours of training before receiving certification, Driskill said. The cost for all training programs throughout the year is $60 and includes a notebook with facts and information about conservation.

Robert Scott, treasurer of the South Plains chapter, said being a Master Naturalist comes with benefits as well as responsibilities. As part of their volunteer hours, Master Naturalists often work with members of the public by giving tours to adults and children at state parks and preserves, including the Lubbock Lake Landmark.

“It’s not a college degree, but it results in volunteers that make it possible for Texas Parks and Wildlife to interact with visitors at different parks and wilderness areas in the state,” Scott said.

Those who go through the 40 hours of training, log in 40 hours of volunteer time and spend 8 hours in advanced training during the year earn the lifelong title of Master Naturalist.

“And what does that mean? It means you get to wear the pin that looks like a dragon fly,” Scott said with a chuckle, pointing at the lapel pins members receive after their certification.